Chapter Forty-One: The Premiere

This was the first time in both his previous and current lives that Chen Ling attended a film premiere—a high-class, glamorous event of this caliber. The venue chosen for the premiere of Old Mou's film was the small auditorium at the Beijing Film Academy.

For years, there had been no consensus about who truly held the title of leading director in China: Zhang Yimou or Chen Kaige. Many of the older generation believed Chen Kaige was the foremost director in Chinese cinema. After all, he was born into a prestigious family and held the only Palme d'Or awarded to a Chinese-language film. Despite making numerous controversial films over the years, his status as a major director within the industry remained unshaken. At every Beijing Film Academy anniversary group photo, Chen Kaige always stood in the center, a fact many cited as proof of his position as the preeminent mainland director.

As for Zhang Yimou, critics who claimed he was inferior to Chen Kaige often pointed out that he had once served as Chen Kaige’s cinematographer—a view that found considerable support. Yet, for most people, Zhang Yimou’s status surpassed Chen Kaige’s. His talent was undeniable, and the international awards he collected were no fewer than Chen Kaige’s. His films, though occasionally contentious, had shown consistent progress and innovation, and the added prestige of directing the Olympic Opening Ceremony had boosted his overall standing far above Chen Kaige’s.

In contrast, Chen Kaige’s films after his Palme d'Or win had neither box office nor critical acclaim. Worse yet, he seemed fond of lecturing audiences and berating netizens, distancing himself from the public, which severely damaged his reputation. Still, both directors were alumni of the Beijing Film Academy, and holding the premiere at their alma mater was a gesture of considerable respect.

Since the event was held at his own school, and with Dou Xiao having invited him in advance, Chen Ling had every reason to arrive early. He wasn’t familiar with Old Mou, but he couldn’t ignore his friend’s invitation. Long before he reached the school, he could see the entrance adorned with banners, balloons, and scattered confetti and ribbons.

Chen Ling was early, but the journalists had arrived even earlier. There were few reporters at the gate; most had likely gathered near the auditorium.

Chen Ling came by car, rolled down his window at the gate to greet the waiting reporters, and entered the campus. His car had a permit, so he drove directly to the director’s department building, rather than parking in the public lot like other visitors.

By choosing the small auditorium at Beijing Film Academy, Old Mou clearly didn’t intend to make the premiere a grand affair. With his influence, a high-profile event at the Great Hall of the People or the Political Consultative Conference Hall would have been a matter of mere words. But the decision to keep things low-key was mainly due to the harsh criticism his last film, "Three Guns," received. He wanted to avoid provoking resistance from audiences.

Still, his stature made it impossible to stay low-key. From the moment Chen Ling entered the auditorium area, camera flashes from reporters were relentless. Every so often, journalists came up to interview him; patience was essential in dealing with them, for offending the press could result in unpredictable coverage.

By the time Chen Ling walked the red carpet and entered the auditorium, it was already bustling. Executives from state-owned giants like China Film and Shanghai Film were present in person, and Han Sanping’s circle remained the most prominent. On the private enterprise side, Bona, Enlight, Orange Sky, and Huayi all sent their leading figures, each forming their own cliques. The circle around the Wang brothers was second only to those of China Film and Shanghai Film, fully demonstrating Huayi’s current status.

Those able to enter these circles were either entertainment company owners, powerful directors, or top celebrities; anyone below the first tier could only look on longingly, hoping to one day join the elite.

Dou Xiao and the slender, fragile "Mou Girl" followed Zhang Yimou, greeting people from various circles. When Dou Xiao saw Chen Ling enter, he nudged Zhang Yimou, who, following his gaze, nodded and smiled at Chen Ling.

Chen Ling quickly approached, determined not to miss the chance to make this acquaintance. He had long admired Old Mou—after all, he was the "National Teacher."

"Teacher, let me introduce you. This is Chen Ling, the director I often mention," Dou Xiao said to Zhang Yimou.

It was the first time the two met; though they had heard of each other, neither had seen the other before. Zhang Yimou’s first impression of Chen Ling was that he was full of energy. His bright eyes revealed a director with abundant vigor; during the Olympics, even while carrying the heavy responsibility of the opening ceremony, Zhang Yimou managed to shoot "Curse of the Golden Flower," a testament to his remarkable stamina.

"Director Chen, thank you for coming to support us. You invited me to your film’s celebration, but I was busy with 'Under the Hawthorn Tree' and couldn’t make it. My apologies."

Chen Ling was still new to this circle and hadn’t interacted with other major directors, so he didn’t know how others behaved. But his first impression of the National Teacher was excellent.

"It’s nothing, just a celebration. The film matters most. I’ve heard from Dou Xiao that 'Under the Hawthorn Tree' turned out beautifully. I’m delighted to observe and learn from your masterpiece today."

"We all learn from one another. I’ve seen your films—though a bit raw, they’re fundamentally sound. Old Lin has found himself a fine student."

It was clear the circle now acknowledged Chen Ling as Professor Lin’s student.

"I still have a long way to go. I hope I’ll have more opportunities to learn from you in the future." Zhang Yimou was known in the industry for nurturing newcomers; the many "Mou Girls" were proof enough.

If Chen Ling could get guidance from Zhang Yimou on acting, it would be a rare opportunity.

"There’ll be chances. I’m often quite busy and rarely have time, but my next film is about to start shooting. If you’re free, you’re welcome to visit the set."

Zhang Yimou didn’t refuse Chen Ling’s request.

"If I get the chance, I’ll certainly come." Chen Ling wouldn’t miss the opportunity to seek guidance from Zhang Yimou on set, where there was likely even more to learn.

Though the industry hadn’t announced news about Zhang Yimou’s next film, Chen Ling knew all about it. By the time his own project wrapped, Zhang Yimou’s production would likely just be starting. This next film promised grand scenes, extensive set construction, elaborate costumes and props, and the participation of Hollywood stars—a formidable lineup.

The two chatted a bit more, and Zhang Yimou introduced Chen Ling to the film’s leading actress, who seemed to have signed on. After exchanging contacts, Zhang Yimou led the two starring actresses away; he was, after all, the center of attention and bound to be busy.

Many attended the premiere—virtually all major bosses, stars, and first- and second-tier artists in Beijing were present. Quite a few approached Chen Ling, probing for information about his new project, looking for opportunities to benefit.

After dealing with the crowd, Chen Ling made a point to greet Han Sanping—a genuine heavyweight whose connections needed to be cultivated.